A snow dog's chance in . . . Texas

from Mia Cope

This is a fairly typical winter day in Texas.

Apparently, winter doesn’t bring a lot of snow here. And that’s the reason many of the people I meet question why I chose to settle in Abilene.

“Wouldn’t you rather be in Alaska or Canada on a dog sled team?” they ask.

I just give them a knowing look which they interpret as my unrealized desire to head north to freeze my tushy off. In reality, I’m wishing that they had some insight into what it’s like to be strapped into the harness with a bunch of other dogs.¹

Despite the fact that it all looks like fun and games, it’s not. Sure, we’re in the great outdoors, beautiful scenery, blah-blah-blah. But it’s really cold and the food on the trail isn’t that great.

Don’t get me wrong. I love when it snows. Particularly when this is my view.

I get the same thrill as any sled dog does. But I stay toasty warm and have a more refined nutritional experience.

Togo, the greatly-honored patriarch of Casa de Togo, on the other hand loved the snow. I’m glad that it was him who was running things here during the great Snowpocalypse of ‘21. As the legend is told, Daddy made Togo sleep inside the first night when it got down below 10º. But when Daddy let him out the next morning to do his business, Togo refused to come back inside. Here’s some pictures of that epic meteorological event from the museum archives at Casa de Togo.

Togo was a different breed of dog. Actually, four different dogs. And his great-grandfather was a gray wolf. I’m pretty sure Togo would have been among the first volunteers among local dogs to slip into a harness.

I have already selected my photo to be included in the museum’s collection of famous snow dog leaders. All of my action shots were a little blurry. But I think this one captures the real me.

Wherever you are this winter, stay warm.

1. The number of dogs on a team varies from 4 to 14 depending on what type of sledding is being done. All of the movies make it look like they all work well together as a team and are having a great time. You might be surprised how low being a sled dog rates in job satisfaction.